On occasion, my restless music-oriented ADD-like tendencies start acting up and I find my soul craving for a new hum, a new scat – a new head-bobbing beat. During one of these “fits”, I began browsing through my “Future Prospects” playlist – songs/artists that I have at one point been intrigued by but not yet given the thorough attention it might deserve. This is when I came across my cure – my melodious Ritalin – when I encountered (or re-encountered) Eagle Seagull’s preview track “I’m Sorry But I’m Beginning to Hate Your Face” from their forthcoming album (set to release early 2008), The Year of the How-To Book. Breaking me away from my muddled mid-morning haze, the song subtly but forcefully demanded for my full attention which I willingly, if not ravenously, submitted to.

Eagle Seagull began work on their newest album with producer Ryan Hadlock (The Gossip, Blonde Redhead) after Hadlock contacted the group following an airplay on the Seattle-based radio station, KEXP 90.3 (highly recommended). In comparison to their first self-titled album, the new tracks (including ”You Can’t Call Yourself A Secret” and “I’m Sorry, But I’m Beginning To Hate Your Face” found on their Myspace page) are a bit more playful and upbeat without compromising that signature hypnotic yearning of its predecessors. Seeing as how practically the entire Eagle Seagull album is a glorious find, I am ridiculously excited in anticipation to see what’s in store next.

While I am not yet fully-versed in the Indie scene, this five man – and one fierce female violinist – group from Lincoln, Nebraska is definitely worth keeping an eye (or an ear) on. In an era where blaring background beats and over-compensated production super cedes (and often intentionally masks) sub-par lyrics – Eagle Seagull glows like an ember among a mass of dull, repetitive coals. Their combination of frisky guitar riffs, melancholic piano sets and the haunting Siren-like wails of main vocalist, Eli Mardock, leave me emotionally and mentally stupefied (in all the right ways).

“I re-read all your letters
and I liked them so well that I had to eat them all
yes, I ate them all and then slumped against a wall”

- I’m Sorry But I’m Beginning to Hate Your Face, The Year of the How-To Book

“Though I’m with you
My life feels strange
Oh but I’m with you, I’m with you, I’m with you
In this holy age
‘Cos you make me want to be
A saint
Who kills people”

- Holy, Eagle Seagull

“Why don’t you come crucify me
Just kiss me and then deny me
Drink my blood and eat my body
Come on baby, just defy me”

- Hello, Never, Eagle Seagull

Yes, there is something undeniably and delightfully brilliant about this band and (for now) my insatiable appetite for quality music has been appeased.

I hit repeat.

Eagle Seagull – I’m Sorry, But I’m Beginning To Hate Your Face

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Eagle Seagull – Last Song

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Eagle Seagull – Your Beauty Is A Knife I Turn On My Throat

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Buy Eagle Seagull’s Eagle Seagull at Amazon.com